For the past few years, I have heard people talk of their concern for the future of Tucson. Many of us feel that our city leaders are not thinking enough about our future. Many people feel resented or feared by a city government that doesn’t seem to want to listen to what they have to say.

I first became active in the public forum as a citizen on a City of Tucson advisory group in my neighborhood. I was excited at the chance to participate but soon figured out that the City just wanted us to rubber-stamp a pre-determined City decision. When we the citizens decided on a different recommendation, our work was ignored by the City. That experience pushed me into the realm of political action.

I’ve discovered that one of the most common experiences shared among active Tucson citizens is the indignity of working for years as a volunteer member of a City committee or advisory group, and then having your recommendations ignored or rejected. This must change.

At this point in our country’s history, we need the energy and wisdom of involved citizens more than ever. We must listen to the people. We must heed the people’s advice. We must get involved ourselves. We can’t afford to sit back and let other people govern us on our behalf; we’ve got to step up.

That’s a huge part of the reason I am running for City Council.

When I am elected to the Council, I will welcome citizens back to City Hall. And I will listen to what they have to say and act on their conclusions.

I will serve as a true representative of the people of Tucson; as a citizen activist who is willing to govern on behalf of all citizen activists. My special interest group is the people of Tucson.

I will keep this website up and running to facilitate active discussion on all City issues, and will contribute regularly to its issue blogs.

I will keep open office hours every week at Ronstadt Transit Center downtown (grab the bus to see me!) and will meet with citizens at the midtown Ward 6 offices when you want to talk about issues.

I will listen to both sides of every issue before I make up my mind. I do not want to surround myself with yes-men. I want to hear people who agree and disagree with me to strengthen my final decision.

We’re going to storm the palace gates at City Hall, and we will create a new culture of accountability, innovation, and action among city staff, centered around the respect of our citizens.

The people of Tucson deserve nothing less.